Thank you I'm still a way fair off from the skill level I'm aiming for though

I'm currently studying 'Model Design and Effects' (also called Modelmaking) at University, which is where I developed most of my skills. It covers a range of skills for various types of models (architectural, vehicle concepts, film props, explanatory models, etc.) and isn't actually focused towards weaponry, but we're encouraged to narrow down our skills to a particular area. My area of interest is making props, specifically weapons and armour, for film and television, which is why I mainly choose weapons for my projects.

As for how I made them, there's 2 main methods that I use:The first is simply cutting the form out of a material called Chemiwood (also known as 'modelling foam'). It comes in blocks of varying density, depending on what you plan to do with it. I mainly use Purple Chemiwood (the most dense kind) because it allows much cleaner edges. Due to its density it's also very hard to sand, but it's possible to get an incredible finish with patience. MDF would probably be a good alternative, although you may need to stick several boards together to get a desired depth. To get the shape I use various equipment in the Uni Workshop, such as bandsaws, disk sanders, bobbing sanders..etc. which I unfortunately don't have available at home.

For pieces that are more detailed I use a technique that I'll call 'layering'. In this design for my throwing knives, each tone of grey is a different 'layer': fraxuur.deviantart.com/art/Pho…. You start with the largest and gradually work up to the smallest to build up the detail. A laser-cutter makes this technique far easier because you can trust that the lines will be neat, but it's possible to sculpt each layer by hand (I did this for the Daedric Dagger). Depending on what you're making, the layer depth will vary, but I usually go for 2-5mm per layer.

I had intended to make the whole thing using my universities facilities, but I ran out of time

The blade is made from 4 sections of orange Chemiwood, which I cut to shape on a bandsaw. I bevelled the edges of the blade using a disk-sander. I made grooves down the length of the blade pieces and fixed them together with two thin dowels to give it more reinforcement (Chemiwood can be fairly flimsy when then). The hilt guard is also made from Chemiwood.

The detailing on the hilt is two layers of laser-cut 2mm Acrylic. Kind of a cheat, I know, but I wanted it to be correct and I did draw out the design myself on CorelDraw (copying the design from the ingame version).

I did want to make the hilt handle on the lather, but didn't have time. So instead I used a thick piece of dowel for the handle, and made a make shift pommel from things I found around the house.